Chasing Northern Lights: Ajay's Thrillophilia Review of a Trip to Sweden
On a cosy weekend evening at our usual hangout spot, two of my friends and I were busy catching up over cups of steaming tea. After a couple of minutes, the conversation shifted to travel dreams, and Ravi, a friend of ours, excitedly shared his desire to watch the Northern Lights.
Priya, browsing through a travel app on her smartphone, checked the images of Sweden’s stunning landscapes and the popular Icehotel. “What do you think about a vacation in Sweden together, just us friends?” she suggested, with infectious enthusiasm.
And before we could realize it, we were discussing all the possibilities - from exploring scenic cities to trying the local delicacies. By the end of our discussion, we had turned our impromptu idea into an exciting plan for adventure in Sweden.
A Taste of Sweden
Stockholm felt like a storybook - its architecture which reflected a blend of both history and modernity had me in awe.
I couldn’t hold my excitement for the sightseeing tour as I knew we'd be visiting the Vasa Museum. Being a history enthusiast, it was one of the best places that I visited during our trip. I also got the chance to see a beautifully preserved 17th-century warship there. As I walked through the fascinating exhibits, I felt stunned by the rich history and craftsmanship of the ship.
“Imagine if we were all sailing on that ship?” I said to my friends, looking at the massive vessel. “It must have felt so magnificent!” a friend replied, while the others nodded in agreement.
“And to think it sank just a couple of hours after its launching!” I added considering how such events shape the history of a region.
Following that, we walked along the busy streets of Gamla Stan, also known as the old town, to take in the local charm of the place. My friend particularly loved the narrow cobblestone pathways, which were lined with quaint shops and colourful buildings.
We had heard a lot about ‘Fika’, which is what the Swedish call a coffee and snack break. Not wanting to miss out on a famous local experience, we also stopped at a local café to warm up with some coffee and authentic Swedish pastries.
After enjoying a lovely break, we headed to a nearby shop that was selling handcrafted souvenirs. I was browsing through delicate glass ornaments while others marvelled at the beautifully crafted Dala horses. “We'd need something to remember this trip,” my friend insisted, asking us all to choose items that captured our hearts.
Under the Aurora Borealis
We also loved exploring Kiruna, located in the northern region of the Swedish Lapland. What fascinated me the most was how its ambience was exactly opposite to that of Stockholm. In contrast to the narrow and busy cobblestone streets of Stockholm, Kiruna had vast scenic lands that stretched to the horizon. As we watched the snow-covered landscapes on our way to the Icehotel, we talked about how fascinating it would be to be able to stay in it.
The Icehotel was something pulled out of a bizarre dream. It was built entirely of snow and ice, it featured a wide range of ice artworks and architecture. We got into our winter gear and stepped inside the hotel, admiring the handcrafted sculptures in the hallways.
“This is unreal!” one friend exclaimed, as steam came out of his mouth in the freezing temperatures. Each room of the hotel felt like a magical place. We enjoyed clicking many pictures- posing with stunning ice chandeliers and bedside tables that were also made from ice.
Then we headed out for a dog-sledding adventure across the snowy landscapes. As we got on the sleds, I couldn’t contain my excitement.
“This is going to be legendary!” I shouted, and the dogs barked to show their preparedness. It proved to be one of the most fun experiences during our time in Sweden.
Once we were back at our hotel, we warmed ourselves up with delicious hot chocolate by the fireplace, recounting stories of our adventures. Later that night, we packed in layers of warm clothing and headed out for the Northern Lights excursion.
We hadn't even reached the spot but I could sense everyone's anticipation for it, particularly that of Ravi, whose dream was about to come true. We slowly drove away from the city lights, and the surroundings grew darker with every turn. Soon, we got a chance to see the first glimmers of green lights above us - The Aurora Borealis swirled and flickered, painting the sky with vibrant colours.
“Look at that!”, Ravi shouted, pointing at a particularly bright streak of light. Witnessing such a stunning phenomenon felt unreal, for all of us.
It somehow strengthened the bond of our friendship.
Seaside Strolls and Culinary Journeys
After the magical landscapes of Kiruna, we arrived in Malmö, a town known for its history and culture. Our first stop during the city sightseeing tour was historic Malmö Castle. It was surrounded by lush green gardens that whispered ancient stories from its golden age. While exploring the lush green grounds, we came across a particularly scenic spot. Grabbing the opportunity, we struck regal poses for pictures, playfully imagining ourselves as royalty from a bygone era, embracing the rich history surrounding us.
Strolling along the streets of Lilla Torg, a scenic city square that is popular for its beautiful cafés and shops, was quite soothing. After picking a nice restaurant to settle in, we immersed ourselves in a culinary delight that included a variety of local dishes such as herring and fresh seafood. While trying the delicious food, we shared our favourite moments from the trip - the breathtaking sights, and the joy of exploring new regions together.
On our final evening, we took a walk along the Norrmalm waterfront and took in the views of sunset while reflecting on our journey. With hearts full of gratitude, we toasted to adventure and friendship, realising we'd also be packing a million memories along with our clothes.
Read: Thrillophilia Sweden Review